Sturgeon commitment on women’s board representation is welcome

In response to Nicola Sturgeon pledging to work towards 50:50 gender representation on public sector boards in Scotland at the Who Runs the World conference today (Thursday 12 November 2015), Girlguiding Scotland’s Chief Executive Denise Spence said:

“Nicola Sturgeon’s public commitment to working towards gender balance on public sector boards in Scotland is a welcome signal that the status quo is rapidly becoming unacceptable.

“This is an important issue for Girlguiding Scotland’s young members, who in the run up to the General Election for politicians to pledge to tackle sexism as part of the Girls Matter campaign, which gained cross-party backing in the Scottish Parliament.

“More women in the boardroom – whether in the public or private sector – will help raise girls’ aspirations and show them what is possible.”

ENDS

Notes to editor:

1. Girlguiding Scotland members helped shape Girlguiding’s campaign to ensure #girlsmatter at the 2015 General Election. Several MSPs, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, committed to tackling sexism and making life fairer for girls by taking the Girls Matter pledge, and a motion about it received cross-party backing in the Scottish Parliament.
2. Girlguiding Scotland is Scotland’s leading charity for girls and young women, with 50,000 young members. We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun. Find out more at www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk.